Australian Open Panel: "The NextGen stars put themselves under pressure"
The first Grand Slam tournament of 2020, the Australian Open , is coming up. And we checked out the tennis experts again. And also made our opinion known.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Jan 17, 2020, 04:12 pm
Question: What have we learned from the ATP Cup?
Markus Theil (Eurosport):
... that it is more attractive than the new Davis Cup. That he was well received by most players, that is, played seriously. That it is still a pleasure to watch the old stars in 2020.
Jörg Allmeroth (tennisnet):
We won't know whether we have learned anything until after the Australian Open. In other words: how much is good performance worth? How badly can bad performances, see Zverev , be put aside or have a motivating effect to increase again.
Gerald Kleffmann (Süddeutsche Zeitung):
That the former NextGen professionals, who have now also aged a few years, are putting themselves under pressure like never before. Because they know that now they have to stand up to the top grandees. This also explains the freaking out of Zverev, Tsitsipas , Medvedev. Your inner struggle with patience will help shape the course of the 2020 season.
Doris Henkel (FAZ):
Given Novak Djokovic's level at the ATP Cup, I would bet three bottles of Australian red to see him at least in the final in Melbourne.
Florian Goosmann (tennisnet):
That the title will probably only go through Djokovic again. At the end of the season there were some who saw a new major winner for 2020. This may not be the case in Melbourne.
Harald Ottawa (courier):
From preparatory tournaments you can only see tendencies, since a major is something else. Positive: The players who were allowed to participate got at least three games. Djokovic is in the best shape, but Nadal had quite a bit of travel. And he's been waiting for a set win against the Joker for years anyway. The bottom line is that Djokovic and Nadal will contest the final.
Marcel Meinert (Sky):
That the "old acquaintances" will continue to be the closest favorites for the Grand Slam tournaments in 2020 and that the duel between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal could come to a head again this year. Behind it, the field seems to be very close together, a lot depends on the form of the day. Daniil Medvedev made by far the strongest impression of the pursuers, which is rightly documented in the world rankings. Since Roger Federer goes to the Australian Open without a preparation tournament, there is definitely a question mark behind his form.
"Djokovic is the big favorite"
Lukas Zahrer (tennisnet):
Djokovic is and remains the big favorite down under. Rafa has suffered bitter defeats. It would have been nice for Alex de Minaur to reach the second week in front of his own audience. And Dominic Thiem still needs a few matches to get into rhythm.
Jürgen Schmieder (Süddeutsche Zeitung):
That Novak Djokovic is the player that normally nobody can beat. That you have to convince Nick Kyrgios to play for his country in every game. Boris Becker says that the second serve is a look into the soul of the tennis player, and he has to know that.
Tom Häberlein (SID):
That Novak Djokovic is in a damn good shape.
Paul Häuser (Sky):
Sporty: Novak Djokovic is the man to beat. After his performance at the ATP Cup, the Djoker is clearly the favorite to defend his title in the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. The young hot spurs Medvedev and Tsitsipas are burning for more. I trust both of them to have a Grand Slam title in 2020. Alexander Zverev, on the other hand, has completely different plans. The service yips are back, a new coach and a mental trainer would be so important to get him back on track.
Socially: Tennis has an incredible social power. Nick Kyrgios has caused a big movement with his call for donations for the victims of the bad bush fires. Tennis unites and gives a strong image with its stars.
Nikolaus Fink (tennisnet):
That Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal should also be expected at the Australian Open. And that Alexander Zverev never got his problems with the serve under control.
Jens Huiber (sportradio360).
That if the Australian Open were held in Sydney, it could be the Grand Slam tournament where Novak Djokovic has finally got the majority of the audience behind. That David Goffin could be as troublesome as it was in his prime. That Gilles Simon and Gael Monfils know exactly when to contact Benoit Paire. And when not.
Michael Rothschädl (tennisnet):
That Novak Djokovic will be the big favorite for the title. That Daniil Medvedev was able to confirm his strong autumn early in the season and will also go far at the Australian Open. That many players outside the top 10 will be good for a surprise. That Alexander Zverev still has a lot of work to do to be competitive at the Australian Open.